SPRING CLASSES ARE IN SESSION | | |
Our spring term, with over 100 classes to choose from in the classroom, outdoors, and online, is underway. We hope you're enjoying your classes!
Three-Class Limit Lifted
The three-class limit for certain high-enrollment classes has been lifted. You can now register for any class that still has space available.
How to Drop A Class
We are thrilled by how many of you have registered for classes. Some of our most popular classes are full and have waitlists. If you want to drop a class, please contact the OLLI office at olli@csuchico.edu or 530-898-6679 so we can offer the space to someone else.
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COVID-19 Policy
Vaccinations are strongly encouraged and not required. Masks are optional and always welcome. There are HEPA air purifiers in all four of our main classrooms at The Social Chico. If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or any other communicable illnesses, such as a cold or the flu, please stay home.
Refrain From Fragrance in In-Person Classes
Several members have asked us to pass on the message that wearing fragrances to class has some unintended consequences. Headaches and asthma attacks can be triggered by perfumes and scented lotions, especially in close quarters.
Please remember that your use of fragrances is voluntary, while another's reaction is not. We want members to feel welcome and comfortable in every OLLI classroom, and we appreciate your cooperation in doing your part to help us meet this goal.
| | MEMBER BENEFIT: OLLI BOOK EXCHANGE | | |
In 2018, OLLI member and book lover Maureen Fredrickson donated a bright red library cart to start the OLLI Book Exchange. The cart is easy to spot in the lobby outside the Bradley 2 classroom at The Social Chico. Volunteers have continued to update the cart, keeping it organized and adding magazine organizers labeled by topic.
Members can browse the cart at any time and take a book. You can also donate your books to the cart for other members to read. We ask that you take only one book home at a time, but you can leave as many as you want.
Members have left fiction, nonfiction, and magazine back issues for you to peruse and enjoy. If you're having trouble choosing a book, take a couple with you across the lobby to Café 1400 and have a cup of coffee while you sample the first chapter of each one.
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Margaret Rader's brown rice cranberry almond salad was a hit at the OLLI Spring Picnic. It's one of Margaret's go-to potluck dishes because, she said, "It's healthy and about 80% of the ingredients are locally sourced." She was kind enough to share her recipe below, and noted that the rice, almonds, green onions, lemon, olive oil, and tangerine peel she included in the dish were all local ingredients.
Margaret Rader’s Brown Rice Cranberry Almond Salad Recipe
1 cup of brown rice, cooked (Margaret recommends Lundberg Farms brown Jasmine rice)
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup chopped almonds or pecans
1/4 cup sliced green onions
Dressing:
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon grated orange or tangerine peel
Salt and pepper to your liking
After rice is cooked, and fluffed, allow it to come to room temperature. Mix the dry ingredients into the salad and then mix dressing into the mixture. Refrigerate if not serving right away. Serves 4-6. Bon Appétit!
| | OLLI CURRICULUM TEAM MAKES STEADY PROGRESS | | |
As the spring term gets underway with over 100 diverse classes, planning is already well in motion for fall 2026.
The Curriculum Team has made steady progress, supported by a few dedicated volunteers helping to move key efforts forward. This spring, outreach to prospective and returning instructors led to the recruitment of multiple new instructors, helping to expand OLLI’s already wide-ranging course offerings.
Follow-up support from Curriculum Team members through phone calls and reminders also made a meaningful difference. Thanks to these efforts, OLLI received over 115 class proposals for the fall, exceeding initial expectations.
The team is also navigating a transition, as Chair Janet Rechtman has stepped down from the role. As OLLI looks for new team leadership, there is an opportunity for members to get involved and help shape future OLLI programming, particularly in recruiting and supporting instructors.
Looking ahead, the team is exploring new ideas, including the possibility of an OLLI Book Festival. This concept will be introduced through a fall class, inviting members to help shape what could become an exciting new addition to OLLI.
Together, these efforts are already building momentum for a dynamic and engaging fall – and for the continued growth of OLLI's learning community. Email olli@csuchico.edu if you're interested in getting involved.
Pictured: OLLI instructor and Curriculum Team member Paul Coots.
| | MEET A MEMBER: LINDA STUKEY | | |
As far as Linda Stukey, pictured, is concerned, one of the best things about OLLI is interacting with other members. Old friends have aged, moved into assisted living, or left the state, and she misses their companionship. Another great aspect is the enjoyment provided by outings and stimulating classes. She has made concessions to modernity – a cell phone and tablet – to allow her to take Great Decisions and Cracker Barrel remotely to keep up on world events. She also takes exercise classes to help with balance and general fitness.
Linda tends the garden she planted when she bought her residence about 40 years ago. Consisting mainly of azaleas, camellias, and a few annuals, it also features a redwood tree in her front yard. "That was a mistake," she admits – small "and cute" when she planted it, but now, well, big. Linda's also a member of the Chico Horticultural Society.
As an early helper in the Chico Cat Coalition, Linda worked on finding adopters for stray cats. This often involved setting up arrays of caged cats at locations like the Downtown Farmers' Market. In March, she attended the 26th birthday celebration for Zeus, the oldest cat at the shelter.
Linda supports a number of environmental causes, and she walks regularly in her neighborhood. She's got a busy schedule for a nonagenarian who is a dedicated lifelong learner.
| | TRAVEL AND LEARN WITH OLLI | | Wonders of Thailand, Winter '27 | | |
Delve into a land where bustling modern cities, ornate ancient temples, and stunning jungle beaches coexist. Uncover the beautifully balanced mosaic of old and new, metropolitan, rural, and coastal in Thailand. Your 16 days and 24 meals of this small group tour will be guided by seasoned tour guides from Collette.
View the Wonders of Thailand full itinerary (pdf) and book now to reserve your space.
| | France Magnifique Discovery, Spring '27 | | |
From the royal Palace of Versailles to the enchanting streets of Paris, grab a baguette and rendezvous with the best of France. Bask in the rich history, culture, and romance of these celebrated cities and charming towns. Your 12 days and 16 meals will be guided by seasoned tour guides from Collette.
View the France Magnifique Discovery full itinerary (pdf) and book now for discounted rates.
| | Discover South Pacific Wonders, Fall '26 | | MAY IS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH | | |
The month of May has been Mental Health Awareness Month since 1949. The theme for 2026 is More Good Days, Together. The theme "encourages us all to reflect on what a 'good' day looks like, both for ourselves, and for our communities."
Good days can look different for different people, and may change over time. Whatever a good day looks like, more of them are possible, help is available, and you are not alone. This May, explore Mental Health America's resources for figuring out what a good day is for you and how to have more of them.
To start your journey of support for you or for someone you care about to have more good days, you can call the Butte County Behavioral Health Crisis Line at 800-334-6622, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, or the Friendship Line for older adults at 800-971-0016.
| | GUIDED LISTENING PRACTICE THIS SPRING | | |
My Neighbor's Voice (MNV) is committed to encouraging respectful conversations about the things that matter most. My Neighbor's Voice Community Story Table focuses on universal community questions ranging from American culture to civic rights and responsibilities, spiritual thought to health and environment, and more.
During class, experienced facilitator Kyle Gookins will moderate listening practice with My Neighbor's Voice cards. Each participant takes turns answering questions and listening to their neighbor answer a related question. At the end of several listening rounds, the forum opens up for free discussion on the topic of the day. The class is not recorded to allow for open conversations.
Register now for My Neighbor's Voice Community Story Table and practice respectful conversations about things that matter this spring.
| | AGING AND DISABILITY SHOWCASE NEXT THURSDAY | | |
Join Passages, the Area Agency on Aging, Disability Action Center, and over 70 other local agencies at the Aging and Disability Showcase. This is your chance to learn about local resources available to older adults and people with disabilities. The event includes free food, giveaways, and free personal shredding (1 bin per person). The OLLI Membership Team will be in attendance to share information about OLLI.
Thursday, April 30, 10am-2pm
Elks Lodge: Manzanita Place, 1705 Manzanita Avenue Chico (map)
| | THE WILD BUNCH ART EXHIBIT | | |
OLLI art instructor Dolores Mitchell's paintings of local landscapes including rice fields and orchards will be part of The Wild Bunch Art Exhibit. The exhibit is at Maggie Dietz's straw bale house and wraparound garden, with many other artists also participating.
The Wild Bunch Art Exhibit
May 16-17, 9am-4pm
2414 Irene Street, Chico (map)
Pictured: A Dolores Mitchell painting of the Sutter Buttes.
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Sue Scott
OLLI member Sue Scott passed away on February 22 at age 80. Sue was born in Glendale and met her husband John while working in the scientific wing of Lockheed Aircraft Corporation. She later worked at California State University, Northridge where she was promoted up to department manager for the geography department. She and John moved to Northern California to be closer to their two children after retirement. "I met Sue at the first gaming meetup I attended," OLLI instructor Donna Knorton said. "She became part of the core gaming group that I later organized as a class. But she was more than that. She was clever. She was witty. She was fun to be with. I bonded with her instantly. She became a friend. Despite her later illness, she chose to attend our gaming classes because it gave her pleasure to socialize and match wits with other people. She had a knack for coming-from-behind finishes!"
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If you have something to say, a photo to share, or a question to pose to the editor, you can submit information using our OLLI Newsletter Submission form.
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